In April of this year, I submitted an article for publication during Metric Week in October by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Sandy Berger, Managing Editor, School Journals, NCTM, responded by a letter dated August 12. The *complete* body of her letter is the following: "The consensus of the Editorial Panel is that your manuscript, submitted as an '[italic] In My Opinion', 'Teaching Metric Measurement Skills,' #02-04-013-7MN (2957), is not appropriate for TEACHING CHILDREN MATHEMATICS. Understanding and using metric units of measurement is important for students in the United States. The panel feels that many of the activities are familiar to our readers. There is not enough information on how the activities help students learn. Thank you for considering TEACHING CHILDREN MATHEMATICS as a possibility for sharing your ideas. Your interest in the journal is very much appreciated." The letter is signed by Sandy Berger, SB:jlb ........................................................... No written statements by members of the Editorial Panel were included with the letter by Ms. Berger, as is customary when articles are reviewed for possible publication. Is my "opinion" not appropriate because it proposes student activities which utilize *only* the SI; an "opinion" not shared by panel members? How many members of the Editorial Panel consider SI units and non-SI units of equal importance for the education of students in the US? Ms. Berger does, as she declares in her previous statements to me by e-mail. Were members of the Editorial Panel offended by my earlier provocative piece: "Are You Qualified to Teach Metric Units of Measurement?"? How should I react to Ms. Berger's letter of rejection? Gene Mechtly.
